Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has entered into a strategic vehicle financing partnership with ESAF Small Finance Bank to offer customised financial solutions to the customers.

Viplav Shah, Ashok Leyland's Head of LCV Business, and George Oommen, ESAF Small Finance Bank's Business Head for General Loans & Mobility Loans, signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the presence of Amandeep Singh, Ashok Leyland's President of LCV, IO, PSB & Defence. Customers of Ashok Leyland will receive end-to-end financial solutions from ESAF Small Finance Bank as part of this collaboration. By offering vehicle finance with flexible monthly repayment schedules catered to client preferences, the alliance would prioritise satisfying consumer demands.

Amandeep Singh, President – LCV, IO, PSB & Defence, Ashok Leyland, said, “At Ashok Leyland, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing our customers' experience and delivering greater value. With the combined strength of ESAF Small Finance Bank and Ashok Leyland, our customers will now have access to comprehensive financing solutions with specially curated easy repayment plans.”

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “Ashok Leyland Light Commercial Vehicle Business is delighted to partner with ESAF Small Finance Bank to provide attractive financing solutions to our customers. This strategic partnership will strengthen Ashok Leyland's market position. Driven by innovative technology, our products offer an unmatched total cost of ownership, ensuring optimal profitability for our customers. We are steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that exceed customer expectations.”

George Oommen, Business Head – General Loans & Mobility Loans, ESAF Small Finance Bank, said, “We are delighted to join forces with Ashok Leyland to provide commercial vehicle owners access to seamless financing solutions customised to their needs. At ESAF Small Finance Bank, our mission has always been to empower businesses and individuals with financial solutions that drive growth and prosperity. This partnership with Ashok Leyland allows us to extend our commitment to financial inclusion by supporting commercial vehicle customers with accessible and customised financing options. Together, we aim to enable entrepreneurs and businesses to achieve their goals while contributing to economic growth and community development.”

Ashok Leyland has entered into a strategic vehicle financing partnership with ESAF Small Finance Bank through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to offer customised financial solutions to Ashok Leyland customers.

The MoU was signed by Head of LCV Business at Ashok Leyland, Viplav Shah, and Business Head of General Loans and Mobility Loans at ESAF Small Finance Bank, George Oommen, in the presence of President of LCV, IO, PSB and Defence at Ashok Leyland, Amandeep Singh.

Under the partnership, ESAF Small Finance Bank will provide comprehensive financial solutions including vehicle loans with flexible monthly repayment plans tailored to customer preferences. 

Commenting on the development, Singh said, “At Ashok Leyland, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing our customers' experience and delivering greater value. With the combined strength of ESAF Small Finance Bank and Ashok Leyland, our customers will now have access to comprehensive financing solutions with specially curated easy repayment plans”.

Alluding to the matter, Shah said, “Ashok Leyland Light Commercial Vehicle Business is delighted to partner with ESAF Small Finance Bank to provide attractive financing solutions to our customers. This strategic partnership will strengthen Ashok Leyland's market position. Driven by innovative technology, our products offer an unmatched total cost of ownership, ensuring optimal profitability for our customers. We are steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that exceed customer expectations.”

Speaking about the development, Oommen noted, “We are delighted to join forces with Ashok Leyland to provide commercial vehicle owners access to seamless financing solutions customized to their needs. At ESAF Small Finance Bank, our mission has always been to empower businesses and individuals with financial solutions that drive growth and prosperity. This partnership with Ashok Leyland allows us to extend our commitment to financial inclusion by supporting commercial vehicle customers with accessible and customized financing options. Together, we aim to enable entrepreneurs and businesses to achieve their goals while contributing to economic growth and community development.”

Novus Hi-Tech in association with Eicher Trucks and Buses unveiled its latest DGMS-compliant safety solutions for mines, designed for mining trucks. These cutting-edge systems, unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, represent a major leap forward in mining safety and operational excellence.

The solutions introduced by Novus Hi-Tech and Eicher Trucks integrate advanced technology to address key safety challenges in mining operations. The driver monitoring system (DMS) is an AI-powered system that monitors driver behavior in real time to detect fatigue, distractions, and other risk factors. The proximity warning system (PWS) is a radar-based solution that delivers precise alerts to prevent collisions and improve site safety. Additionally, the auto dipper system is a smart headlight management system that minimises glare, enhancing visibility and reducing accidents in low-light conditions.

Speaking at the event, Novus Hi-Tech Chairman Deep Kapuria stated," Safety is more than just our mission—it is our unwavering responsibility.Aligned with the Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of “Design in India,” we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of human lives through innovative and indigenous technology. This commitment is at the core of everything we do. Through our association with Volvo Eicher, we take pride in delivering cutting-edge solutions that not only redefine industry benchmarks but also create enduring value for all stakeholders. Together, we are driving progress with safety, innovation, and responsibility at the forefront.”

 Adding to this, Cheif Executive Officer Volvo Eicher Commericial Vehicles Vinod Aggarwal said, "The Eicher brand has been at the forefront of driving modernization in the Indian CV sector. This collaboration with a leading provider like Novus Hi-Tech is another step in our journey to offer mining customers next-gen productivity and safety solutions incorporated into our industry-leading range of mining trucks."

 Attendees at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 experienced live demonstrations of the new technologies, showcasing their seamless integration into Eicher’s mining trucks. The real-world applications highlighted the systems’ effectiveness in enhancing safety and operational performance in demanding mining environments.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has concluded its 33rd iCARE (i, Community Action to Reach Everyone) activity on 19 January at Government High School, Doddagholarahatti, near Kengeri.

Together with 100 students from the host school, 200 eager iCARE volunteers participated in this powerful project, designing and constructing interactive STEM models including hand pumps, solar energy systems, geo boards and electromagnets. This initiative, which coincides with International Education Month, demonstrates Toyota's commitment to developing young brains via hands-on learning, encouraging a ‘learn by doing’ methodology that is essential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

By connecting theory and practice, STEM kits play a critical role in revolutionising classroom instruction. These kits provide underfunded schools with priceless access to interactive learning resources that foster creative problem-solving and thinking. Students are empowered to build a strong foundation for future academic success and professional success when STEM kits are incorporated into the classroom.

This project reflects TKM's all-encompassing approach to social responsibility and is a component of the iCARE programme for FY 2024–2025. TKM made educational murals and supplies at GHS Kannahalli, conducted a clean-up campaign at Irregowdana Lake in Bidadi and upgraded the facilities at GHS Ullal Upanagara in Kengeri earlier in 2024. These initiatives demonstrate TKM's dedication to community empowerment, environmental sustainability and education.

Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The iCARE programme is a true testament to our commitment to creating a meaningful and sustainable impact in the communities we serve. At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we strongly believe that education is the cornerstone of building a brighter future, and STEM education, in particular, is key to fostering curiosity, innovation and problem-solving skills among students. The provision of STEM kits is essential in bridging the learning gap by offering students hands-on tools that turn theoretical knowledge into practical understanding. Through this 33rd iCARE activity, we aimed to create practical, hands-on learning experiences for young minds that not only help them grasp theoretical concepts but also inspire them to innovate and apply these learnings in real-world scenarios. The overwhelming participation of our volunteers and students highlights the power of collaboration and shared purpose. We remain steadfast in our mission to empower communities, and we are committed to driving more such initiatives that touch lives and make a lasting difference.”

Olectra Greentech Limited (OGL) showcased its latest innovations at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Among the highlights were Olectra’s Blade Battery Chassis, a re-engineered 12-metre blade battery platform and newly styled 9-metre city and 12-metre coach buses. These cutting-edge products underline Olectra’s commitment to efficient and eco-friendly public transport solutions.

At the forefront of Olectra’s innovations is the Blade Battery, developed by BYD. This battery offers unmatched safety and performance, withstanding stringent tests like nail penetration and furnace trials without risk of fire or explosion. Delivering 30% greater energy storage, it powers buses for up to 500 kilometres per charge. Compact, lightweight, and capable of over 5,000 charge cycles, the Blade Battery enhances vehicle efficiency and stability.

Olectra’s electric buses prioritise passenger comfort and safety. Key features include fully digital instrument panels, Electronic Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS), real-time Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS), and Reverse Park Assist Systems (RPAS). Amenities such as USB charging ports, roof-mounted air conditioning, and cantilever seats ensure a superior travel experience, while advanced braking systems and in-wheel motors provide seamless rides.

Passenger safety remains central to Olectra’s design ethos, with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), GPS tracking, and CCTV cameras enhancing security. Air suspension and kneeling mechanisms ensure smooth rides, while wheelchair ramps and inclusive designs make these buses accessible to all, including specially-abled passengers.

Olectra’s fleet of over 2,200 electric vehicles (as of 30 September 2024) has traversed more than 300 million kilometres, slashing CO2 emissions by over 270,000 tonnes—equivalent to planting 12.4 million trees. By replacing diesel buses, Olectra has saved approximately 100 million litres of diesel, reducing operational costs and improving urban air quality.

The company has also secured the world’s largest electric bus order of 5,150 buses for MSRTC in Maharashtra and is revolutionising industries like construction and mining with its electric tippers. Operating in 10 states and one union territory, Olectra’s buses offer eco-friendly solutions to millions of passengers.

Manufactured in Hyderabad at a cutting-edge facility, Olectra’s buses embody advanced technology and rigorous quality standards. Each innovation strengthens the company’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy solutions.

Olectra Greentech Limited is more than an electric bus manufacturer; it is a catalyst for transformative change in India’s mobility landscape. By leading the charge in green transportation, Olectra is driving the nation towards a cleaner, greener future—one kilometre at a time.